1. University of Utah Department of Human Genetics The New Science of Addiction Louisa A. Stark, Ph.D. Director

2. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/index.cfm

3. Addiction is similar to other diseases http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html

4. Natural reward pathways exist in the brain Drugs of abuse alter the brain’s natural reward pathways Genetics is a factor in addiction Timing and circumstances influence addiction Addiction is a treatable disease Key points

5. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/reward/

6. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/drugs/

7. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/genetics/

8. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/factors/

9. http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/strategy.html

10. http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html

11. Treatment and recovery http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatment.html

12. Components of effective treatment Treatment medications –Treat withdrawal symptoms –Help the brain adapt to the absence of the drug –Prevent relapse by interfering with triggers http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/issues/treatments.cfm

13. Components of effective treatment Behavioral therapies –Cognitive behavioral therapy –Motivational incentives –Motivational interviewing –Group therapy http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatment.html

15. Natural reward pathways exist in the brain Drugs of abuse alter the brain’s natural reward pathways Genetics is a factor in addiction Timing and circumstances influence addiction Addiction is a treatable disease Key points

16. To learn more http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/index.cfm